Part three of the Ontario Science Centre’s video series on inquiry-based learning focuses on the key teaching skills necessary to successfully implement this approach in the classroom. It emphasizes that teachers must be flexible, patient, and open to unexpected directions, treating student questions and deviations not as distractions but as valuable opportunities for deeper engagement. Rather than delivering content or immediately correcting errors, teachers act as facilitators who guide exploration, encourage open-ended questioning, and support student-led discovery. The video also underscores the importance of normalizing failure as part of the learning process and modeling a willingness to say “I don’t know” to promote curiosity and lifelong learning. Teachers are encouraged to use compelling “hooks” like stories or surprising events to spark interest and motivation. Overall, it’s a valuable resource for educators looking to shift their mindset and create dynamic, student-centered classrooms where curiosity drives learning.
Here are the other parts of this video series:
InquireEd studio 